Question:
I had my surgery on March 4, 2003 and a week later I am constantly hungry.

Can someone tell me if this is normal? It is only a week since my surgery and I am contantly hungry. I am on pureed food and I called the Dr.'s office today and the nurse said I can move to a soft diet instead of pureed. I am wondering if is is because I am bored or what? I noticed that several member are worried about stretching, I am worried also. I never feel full. I fix small plates but an hour later I am hungry again. I usually eat Stouffer's Lean Cruisine pureed 1/2 now and 1/2 later, then Jello or Yogurt in between. I am still on pain pills, anti biotics, blood thinning shots, and vitiamins. I am trying to be good, but the cravings for a real meal is getting to me. I would like to say Congratulations to all the members that has achieved their weight loss. I have faith that I will be there soon. Thanks!    — Bonita S. (posted on March 12, 2003)

March 12, 2003
Bonita, I think it's very normal to feel hungry. I personally think alot of it is head hunger though, it's hard to tell the difference, though! You are very much used to eating alot more and whenever you wanted. Now you eat a couple ounces and it's in liquid/pureed form. Also, you are recooperating, so you are probably watching TV and bored, like you said. All those food commercials sure don't help- I remember that! In the very beginning you are hungry, then once you start eating solid foods, and usually up until about 6 months out, you might literally have to force yourself to eat. I did, and I never would've imagined that happening, but it did. It's the "honeymoon" period, and it's wonderful! Just measure your food, and you won't stretch your pouch. ALso, don't always eat until you are very full, that will increasingly stretch your pouch over time. Stop a bite or two before you get that full feeling. Just like the previous poster said, soft foods and liquids go through our pouch alot quicker than solid, so you can eat more of that- do not worry about it! And you'll be on solid foods soon enough, just don't rush it- your new pouch needs time to heal! You will do great- goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 13, 2003
It's tough early on because the liquids slide right on through the pouch so you really ARE hungry! % small meals a day helps but the reality is that until you start eating soft foods with more staying power, you are going to be hungry. And the other thing is about eating until you feel full. I always eat until I feel full but that is usually just about two bites too many and then I suffer with a stretched pouch and a little bit of dumping syndrome. Just a word to the cautious. I felt exactly the same way that you do now(my surgery was on 12/23/02). I made my husband puree some Kung Pao Chicken one day and I ate about two tsps of it. Peppery but tasty. I paid the price but it was sort of worth it to have a 'meal'. I am now 3 months out, down 41 pounds and still working at consistency in what I eat. Two days ago I could eat scrambled eggs with some cheddar mixed in; now it makes me very queasy. This morning I had cottage cheese and tropical fruits. Salads are my saving grace and taste heavenly. Small small small pieces of grilled chicken, tuna or salmon. I have to munch on an occasional saltine cracker in between to fend off nausea. Also I have some ProScore 100 chocolate; so far it is the only protein drink I can abide. Keep drinking that water if you can. Let us know how you do. Diane
   — Diane M.